ONE of the world’s most expensive whiskies goes on sale today in Harrod’s – for £20,000 a bottle.

The whisky is a 50-year-old bottle from the second release in The Glenlivet Winchester collection.

Only 100 bottles of this rare liquid are in existence across the globe.

The historic Scotch – which costs just under £1000 a nip – has been maturing for half a century within the walls of the Glenlivet distillery in Moray.

The Vintage 1966 joins Vintage 1964 to become one of the most sought after whisky collections in the world.

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The whisky tasting notes state: “The nose is deliciously sweet with the aromas of treacle, moist raisins and apricot jam. The palate is then gratified with the release of candied, sumptuous soft fruits, sweet treacle and juicy orange, layered by delicate spice – a teasing intermingling of cinnamon and liquorice."

The whisky was created by Glenlivet Master Distiller Robert Arthur in 1966, and subsequently guarded by the Master Distillers of The Glenlivet, and it is released today under the guardianship of Alan Winchester.

“Casks of this age and quality are such a rare thing these days, that the resulting single malt is literally liquid history in a glass,” said Alan Winchester.

“I’m immensely proud to release this wonderful whisky, which has been cared for and crafted over generations.”

Although the cost of a bottle is beyond the budget of most people, whisky expert Bill Mackintosh, from Scotch Whisky Auctions, says there will be no shortage of potential buyers around the world.

He said: “There will be massive interest in this very special whisky amongst connoisseurs and reports back from those lucky enough to have tasted it, say it's sublime. At less than £1000 a dram and there are plenty of people who will pay for a taste.”

70 year old Glenlivet in the Bon Accord

The Bon Accord in Glasgow is the only bar in the country with an open bottle of 70-year-old Glenlivet, which costs £900 for a dram.

Owner Paul McDonagh, said: "It's why a lot of people come here. It's one of over 400 malt whiskies in the bar. We've got a lot of really expensive whiskies and a lot of very affordable whiskies, but this is the star of the show.

"If I had £5 for every picture people have taken of it, I'd be a millionaire by now."

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Rick Bennett-Baggs, spokesman for The Glenlivet, said: “This truly unique liquid of luxury excellence brings together the craftsmanship of four figures over the past 50 years to celebrate their dedication, passion and expertise.”

The Glenlivet commissioned Brodie Nairn of Glasstorm, to produce a hand blown glass bottle around the concept of water, paying homage to The Glenlivet’s Gaelic translation of ‘Valley of the Smooth Flowing One'.

Designer silversmith Richard Fox made the gold stopper set with a smoky quartz Cairngorm Stone - specially selected to echo the richly dark liquid of Vintage 1966. While wood craftsman, John Galvin made the beautiful cherry wood cabinet that houses the whisky.

A statement from Glenlivet adds: “The entire piece is a roll call of some of the finest craftsmen in the world working today.”